Centre for Newcomer Integration

News

Welcome to the Centre for Newcomer Integration

August 29, 2024

The Center for Newcomer Integration (CNI) Student Support Team would like to welcome all of the new and returning students. Please visit our website to learn more about the ways that we support students. Have a great term!

EDC: Welcome Back Party!

August 23, 2024

Come down to the Elgin Plaza at Exchange District Campus (EDC) for the Welcome Back Party hosted by your Students’ Association!

The Elgin Plaza is outside the doors beside Tim Horton’s.

Event details:
August 29, 2024
11:30 am – 1:30 pm

Grab some free lunch, mingle with other students, play some games and enter to win prizes.

The Sound Rhythm will be there to keep the tunes pumping.

New Opportunities for Manitoba-Eligible Internationally-Educated Health Professionals

July 11, 2024

Manitoba Labour and Immigration is supporting a new project at RRC Polytech’s Centre for Newcomer Integration (CNI) called “Communicative Competence Training for the Enhancement and Acceleration of Internationally Educated Health Professionals, Settlement and Integration and Retention of Healthcare Employees in Manitoba, ” funded by the Manitoba government.  

This project is designed to provide essential English language and communication training for internationally educated health professionals aiming to become licensed in Canada.
 
Thanks to this funding, CNI has expanded eligibility for occupation-specific language learning for health professionals to now include Temporary Residents, Refugee Claimants, and Canadian Citizens. 

This means we now accept applications from the following groups: 

  • Permanent Residents  
  • Temporary Residents with valid Work Permits or Study Permits 
  • Refugee claimants 
  • Canadian Citizens identifying as newcomers, including naturalized citizens, Canadian-born citizens raised outside Canada, and foreign-born children of a Canadian citizen 
  • Spouses/Common-law partners and dependent children of the above 

Impact on Students and the Community 

The CNI English for Specific Purposes (ESP) health programs, courses, and workshops offer communicative competence training to internationally educated health professionals with a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 6 and above who are seeking licensure in Canada. 

This programming, which is fully online, leads to: 

  1. Enhanced communication skills with patients: Students gain confidence gathering information during health history interviews, providing patient instructions, and supporting patients emotionally.
     
     
  2. Improved interaction with colleagues: The program strengthens the ability to communicate updates and collaborate effectively with healthcare teams.
     
     
  3. Mastery of clear, concise, and coherent communication: Emphasis on the three Cs of communication ensures that students convey information accurately and efficiently. 

For more information, visit the health programs page. 

Honouring World Refugee Day: Empowering Refugees Through CNI’s Programs

June 19, 2024

Honouring Refugees on World Refugee Day

World Refugee Day, observed internationally on June 20, is a day designated by the United Nations to honour the strength and courage of refugees worldwide. This day shines a spotlight on refugees’ rights, needs, and dreams, helping to mobilize support and resources for their journey toward safety and inclusion. This year, the Manitoba Association of Newcomer Serving Organizations (MANSO) and its partners will host a virtual event to mark this important occasion in Manitoba. Learn more about this event below.

Supporting Refugees at CNI

At RRC Polytech’s Centre for Newcomer Integration (CNI), we are committed to empowering refugees and newcomers to Canada through a range of comprehensive programs tailored to their unique needs. Our Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program provides free English language training to help refugees and other newcomers improve their communication skills for daily life, employment, and further education. This program offers flexible schedules and multiple locations, including online options, making it accessible to many.

Our Occupation-Specific Language Programs offer targeted training in fields such as healthcare, business, engineering, and IT for those aiming to enter specific job markets or advance in their careers. These programs enhance both language proficiency and familiarity with professional and cultural expectations in the Canadian workplace. Participants in these courses receive valuable insights and practical skills tailored to their professional goals.

In addition, our Work Experience Program (WEP) bridges the gap between classroom learning and practical job experience. Over a 15-week period, students develop their English skills and gain hands-on work experience through a three-week placement in various industries. This program not only builds confidence but also provides essential Canadian work experience and networking opportunities.

Join Us For an Impactful Event and Learn More

In celebration of World Refugee Day, we invite you to join the Manitoba Association of Newcomer Serving Organizations (MANSO) and its partners for a virtual event on Thursday, June 20, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. CDT. This event will focus on understanding and supporting refugee claimants, featuring discussions led by experts and firsthand accounts from those with lived refugee experiences.

We encourage everyone—whether you are a refugee, a supporter, or simply interested in learning more—to participate in this event. Your presence will help honour the journeys and contributions of refugees and promote a more inclusive and compassionate society.

How to Participate:

  • Register to join the live-streamed event on June 20 at 10:00 a.m. CDT.
  • Spread the word by sharing with your networks, friends, and family.

Together, let’s celebrate the resilience and strength of refugees and work towards a better future for all.

Newcomer Welcome Fair: June 15

June 5, 2024

Celebrate Multicultural Day in Canada at the Newcomer Welcome Fair!

  • Access city services
  • Find settlement information
  • Try some tasty food
  • Participate in fun, family activities
  • Enjoy a variety of multicultural performances

Location: Freight House Field, 200 Isabel Street

Date / Time: Saturday, June 15th / 12PM-4PM

Everyone is welcome!

RRC Polytech – CNI Students Enjoy a Memorable Baseball Game

June 4, 2024

On May 21, RRC Polytech’s Centre for Newcomer Integration (CNI) had the pleasure of inviting newcomers to the opening of the 2024 professional baseball season in Winnipeg at Blue Cross Park. The Winnipeg Goldeyes began a three-game series against the Chicago Dogs, and several RRC students, along with their families, were in attendance to enjoy this exciting event.

The Winnipeg Goldeyes Baseball Club Inc. generously provided 49 community zone tickets, allowing both regional and Winnipeg newcomer students to experience a live baseball game. The atmosphere was electric as fans cheered for their favourite teams, and the newcomers got a taste of a classic North American sport.

The students’ reactions highlighted the significance of this opportunity. Alina Semeriakova shared her gratitude by saying, “Thanks a lot for this great experience!”

Another student, Nataliia Pavlenko, expressed her excitement: “It was my first time seeing a baseball game. In my home country, baseball isn’t popular. It was so interesting for me, especially watching two American teams. I enjoyed the game and had a great time with my family here.”

Events like these are essential in helping newcomers integrate into Canadian culture and feel a sense of community. RRC Polytech – CNI is dedicated to providing such enriching experiences for their students, fostering both educational and cultural growth. We are thankful to the Winnipeg Goldeyes Baseball Club Inc. for their support and look forward to more events that bring joy and learning to our students.

Building Your Writing Foundation: Workshop Series Spring 2024

May 9, 2024

The Academic Success Centre is once again offering an online workshop series during the Spring 2024 term called Building Your Writing Foundation. This series includes sessions that will equip students with foundational writing skills for college success.

No registration is required; just join the workshop using the link below.

May 15th: Writing Paragraphs

How should I organize my ideas in a paragraph?

Description: Join this workshop to learn how to organize big ideas and details into a clear paragraph. The paragraph structure you will learn can be applied to all types of academic writing assignments, including summaries, reflections, discussion posts, essays, reports, and more.

Date: Wednesday, May 15th 12:15-12:45pm (join the meeting)

If you plan to attend a workshop and require accommodations, please email: writing@rrc.ca

Workshop recordings, tip sheets and practice activities for each of the eight workshop topics will be made available once workshop dates have passed.

Visit the Academic Success Centre website to access workshop recordings and to learn about upcoming sessions.

Free Automotive Maintenance Seminar: Road Trip Prep

May 9, 2024

Prepare your vehicle for a seamless summer road trip with our seminar focused on essential maintenance checks. Discover how to inspect tire pressure, fluids, brakes and more to ensure your vehicle is in top condition for the journey ahead. Don’t let preventable issues derail your plans – learn how to keep your vehicle running smoothly for a worry-free adventure.

REGISTER – Tuesday, May 21, 2024, 4:30 to 6:30pm, in Automotive Building M

Please wear covered footwear, safety glasses will be provided. Contact Kristi, Rec and Wellness Coordinator, with questions and accommodation requests. 

Rock Painting for Mental Health Week

May 1, 2024

Join Campus Well-Being and Artbeat Studio to do some rock painting for Mental Health Week!

No registration required. 

Date: Tuesday, May 7, 2024 
Time: Anytime between 12:00pm to 2:00pm
Location: EDC Atrium

Understanding How You Learn Workshop Series

April 29, 2024

The Academic Success Centre is once again offering an online workshop series during the Spring 2024 term called Understanding How You Learn!  

In these workshops, we’ll discuss four topics which impact learning in significant ways: the brain, critical thinking, stress, and procrastination. We will explore how these topics influence your learning and how to leverage this understanding to your time at college and beyond. Hear from both the ASC’s Academic Coaches and Peer Tutors! 

Each workshop will be offered twice on the same day: over the lunch hour and at the end of the day. Attend whichever one fits best with your schedule!   

Visit the following link (https://library.rrc.ca/academic_coaching/UHYLWorkshops) for workshop dates, topics, descriptions and meeting links.

If you plan to attend a workshop and require accommodations, please email us: tutoring@rrc.ca

Workshop recordings will be made available below once workshop dates have passed.  

Questions? Contact tutoring@rrc.ca

RRC Polytech campuses are located on the lands of Anishinaabe, Ininiwak, Anishininew, Dakota, and Dené, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.

We recognize and honour Treaty 3 Territory Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, the source of Winnipeg’s clean drinking water. In addition, we acknowledge Treaty Territories which provide us with access to electricity we use in both our personal and professional lives.

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